Exploring community pharmacists’ attitudes in Thailand towards ChatGPT usage: A pilot qualitative investigation

Abstract

Background: ChatGPT has recently emerged as a disruptive technology, potentially impacting various societal dimensions, including pharmacy practices. In Thailand, community pharmacists are navigating transitions as patients increasingly rely on digital tools for healthcare recommendations. This study explores the attitudes of community pharmacists in Hatyai, one of Thailand's most populated cities, towards the integration of ChatGPT in pharmacy services. Method: ChatGPT-3.5 was used to generate responses to three questions concerning the use of medicine in special populations in the Thai language. These responses were then incorporated into a questionnaire and evaluated using a Likert scale from 1 to 5. Participants who consented were asked to rate the responses and participate in an in-depth interview. Results: The majority of participants rated the responses favorably, with scores of 4 and 5 accounting for at least 60% of the ratings. Only a small proportion of responses received doubtful ratings (score of 3) or was in disagreement, ranging from 20% to 40%. Moreover, open opinions extracted from the interviews suggested that participants viewed ChatGPT as a capable assistant, as it provided fast yet reasonably accurate information in the Thai language. Conclusion: The findings indicate that community pharmacists view ChatGPT as a capable assistant, albeit noting the need for further refinements. The study underscores the importance for pharmacists to proactively adapt to technological advancements, particularly those affecting patient safety, to enhance healthcare delivery and optimize treatment outcomes.

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